Mount Snow – Longer Seasons & Excellent Improvements
This Vermont Ski Resort Gets Better Every Year
Pride of Vermont’s great Green Mountains, Mount Snow is dear in the hearts of many a skier, snowboarder, and lover of winter fun. No surprise, either. Because this resort has been getting it right ever since it opened in 1954, just one year after the land was purchased from the estate of its namesake, Reuben Snow. Celebrated ski industry enthusiast and entrepreneur Walt Schoenknecht set Mount Snow on an early path to developing the Southwest corner of Vermont into one of the country’s largest ski areas. Back in the 1950s he proclaimed: “I searched far for a mountain such as this one, as blessed with snow and as perfectly located for skiers to drive to.” And Walt got it right. At about an hour and a half drive north from Springfield, Massachusetts, and under three-hours from Boston, Portsmouth and Burlington, Mount Snow is an easy-access resort for a winter getaway. And the snow keeps on coming!
SNOWMAKING
Mother Nature is as unpredictable here as on any other mountain range. But Mount Snow’s ready to lend her a helping hand when it comes to creating the fluffy white stuff. The $30M snowmaking system installed in 2017 was a boon to the conditions for the past two seasons. It ensures the mountain can remain open longer, with the first lift spinning in late October and the season running well into April. This is a standout quality for the resorts of the east, as many are forced to wait well into December to announce first chair. The great thing about the new snowmaking system is that it will expand into greater snowmaking coverage around the resort as more snow guns are replaced and added. Talk about breaking out the big guns – this mountain brags the greatest number in the nation, weighing in at 900 energy efficient, snow-blasting machines.
SUSTAINABILITY
In February of 2018, two new solar power projects commenced in southern Vermont. Designed to offset Mount Snow’s electricity usage and maintain energy efficiency for the next two or more decades, the two projects kick out a combined 1.5 megawatt capacity, generating 34million kilowatt hours over the full twenty years. Mount Snow’s VP and General Manager Erik Barnes believes that “the growth of solar power in Vermont…is positive not only for Mount Snow, but for…a future powered by clean energy.” This attitude, coming from a large resort, is the type embraced by today’s skiers, snowboarders and winter sports enthusiasts. Anyone who appreciates the crisp brace of fresh mountain air knows the value of a resort committed to a future with clean energy.
EVENTS ACROSS THE SEASON
From the Thanksgiving holiday weekend to special events loaded across the 2018-19 calendar, Mount Snow offers up on-snow fun for all ages. Most events are free and designed for exercise, education, and excitement. A post-Thanksgiving Fun Run (or walk, or sprint) starts at the Grand Summit Express, with prizes for best costumes and top finishers. December’s Demo Day is a free opportunity to do unlimited testing on skis from Rossignol, Volkl, Nordica, Head, K2, Blizzard and other top brands. Torchlight parades and fireworks regularly light up the nights from November through February. And live music, competitions, prizes and raffles highlight dates throughout the resort’s calendar.
NEW CARINTHIA AREA BASE LODGE
Visitors to Mount Snow will want to check out the new scene at the Carinthia Base Lodge. With two bars, a sit-down restaurant and multi-station cafeteria for on-the-go refueling, the Carinthia keeps every guest refreshed and ready for action on the mountain. The conveniences aren’t only food-oriented. Mount Snow Sports will carry equipment for every level of skier or snowboarder. From the latest skis and boards to toasty-warm tech gear, this shop ensures that all guests stay on their game while on the mountain. Perhaps the best thing about the new Carinthia Base Lodge: 80 new parking spaces located steps from the Nitro lift. Nobody likes hauling gear. Mount Snow understands and offers a Preferred Parking Pass at a reasonable rate. Get the closest parking to a chairlift during crowded weekends and holidays.
With the 2018-19 season already delivering the earliest opening day in the resort’s 64-year history, multi-million dollar upgrades and improvements on everything from snowmaking to parking, Mount Snow is poised for an outstanding ski season. There is so much to do and discover over 600 acres, 20 lifts and a 1700’ vertical drop. Check out vacation packages, excellent deals on season passes and comfortable on-mountain lodging at New England’s beloved Mount Snow in southern Vermont.
